Tool for evenly distributing stakes, tool set and method therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool (10) for use in the manufacture of picket railings (70) to evenly distribute a plurality of pickets (75) between outer, parallel-mounted pickets (74). The tool (10) comprises two opposing and interconnected end pieces (21) with outer, parallel-arranged contact surfaces (22) for contacting two adjacent pickets (74, 75). According to the invention, a guide system (31) with one or more stop surfaces (35) is attached to each end piece (21) opposite the contact surfaces (22), wherein these guide systems (31) interlock and form an extendable linear guide (30) with a central axis (25) which extends perpendicular to the contact surfaces (22). When fully extended, the guide system (31) rests against its stop surfaces (35) and thereby limits the distance (d) between the contact surfaces (22), preferably to 120 mm.The linear guide (30) is coaxially surrounded by a pre-tensioned spiral spring (40) which is supported on the end pieces (21). The invention also relates to a tool set (60) and a method for distributing stakes (75).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tool for use in the manufacture of picket railings to evenly distribute a plurality of pickets between outer, parallel attached pickets, a tool set and a method for its application. Technical field

[0002] Metal picket railings are widely used both indoors and outdoors and are mostly welded. They serve, for example, as stair railings and as fall protection at stairwells or drops. Regionally applicable standards must be observed, which specify the maximum permissible distances between the pickets. In many places, for instance, a 120 mm ball must not be able to pass between two pickets.

[0003] When manufacturing a picket railing, a frame is first constructed according to the specified dimensions. This frame consists of a top rail and a bottom rail, as well as side-mounted pickets that together define the outer edge. Posts for mounting are provided beneath the bottom rail. A handrail can also be attached above the top rail. The pickets are evenly distributed and aligned with the side rails before their ends are welded to the top and bottom rails. Typical picket widths are 40 mm or 50 mm, although round pickets can also be used. Wider pickets can be used for larger railings or gates, such as driveway gates.

[0004] To ensure the maximum distance between two pickets is maintained, individual spacers, gauges, or measuring instruments are used. Since each railing is measured on-site, the picket spacing varies with the overall width of the railing. When using spacers, errors accumulate towards the end of the railing due to the accumulation of minute inaccuracies. This error is compensated for in the final pickets by distributing the inaccuracies. If gauges are used for the entire railing, a corresponding gauge must be manufactured for each railing width. Manufacturing systems exist that guarantee the distance mechanically or electronically. Description of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a tool that simplifies the uniform distribution of pickets, thus eliminating the need to manufacture individual jigs or spacers and the need to measure distances during the production of picket railings. It also eliminates the need to purchase bulky railing production equipment. Furthermore, the drawing of individual pickets in the production drawings should no longer be required.

[0006] A further object of the invention is to describe a method by which the stakes can be evenly distributed between outer, parallel-attached stakes.

[0007] These problems are solved by the features of the first claims of the respective categories. Further preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The first task is solved by a tool as described above, comprising two opposing and interconnected end pieces. These have external contact surfaces arranged parallel to each other, for placement against two adjacent stakes.

[0009] According to the invention, a guide system with one or more stop surfaces is attached to each end piece opposite the contact surfaces. These guide systems interlock and form an extendable linear guide. This linear guide has a central axis that runs perpendicular to the contact surfaces. When the linear guide is fully extended, the guide system rests against its stop surfaces, thereby limiting a maximum distance between the contact surfaces, for example, to 120 mm. Other dimensions are also possible. The standard EN 1176, for example, requires 89 mm. The linear guide is coaxially surrounded by a pre-tensioned coil spring that is supported against the end pieces. The invention also proposes a tool set comprising a plurality of identical tools.

[0010] The tools can shorten when a force is applied to both sides of the contact surfaces. If several such identical tools are arranged in a row, they shorten uniformly because each of the identical springs absorbs the same force component. If freely moving stakes are located between all the tools, the stakes are always evenly spaced from one another, regardless of the force acting on the outermost contact surfaces of the row.

[0011] The second problem is solved by a method for use in the manufacture of picket railings, in which a plurality of pickets are evenly distributed between outer, parallel-attached pickets, using a plurality of identical tools according to the invention, with the following steps: Laying a frame of a picket railing with a top chord, a bottom chord and lateral outer, parallel-attached pickets on a surface that is at least partially level, loosely laying pickets between the attached pickets, inserting at least one, preferably two, tools according to the invention between two adjacent pickets until one or two tools are clamped between all pickets and the pickets are evenly distributed by the spring force.

[0012] The coil springs, with identical spring forces of preferably at least 20 N, but preferably at least 40 N, ensure that the pickets automatically and evenly align themselves. The ends of the pickets can then be welded to the top and bottom rails, and the tools removed. The picket railing is then complete.

[0013] For picket railings on stairs, parallelogram-shaped frames are used. The pickets and tools are staggered vertically according to the slope of the top and bottom rails.

[0014] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in connection with the figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] The invention is illustrated in the following drawings and explained in more detail with the aid of the reference numerals explained later. For clarity, not all elements are labeled in every figure. The same numbers always refer to the same things.

[0016] They show: Fig. 1 A tool according to the invention with two mounting parts and a spring; Fig. 2 The tool according to Figure 1 , but without a spring; Fig. 3 An assembly part of a tool according to Figure 1Fig. 4 An example of an end piece; Fig. 5 A frame of a picket railing with evenly spaced pickets, ready for welding the pickets on, or, if already welded on, a finished picket railing; Fig. 6 A frame of a picket railing for an area with a slope, with evenly spaced pickets, ready for welding the pickets on, or, if already welded on, a finished picket railing. Ways to implement the invention

[0017] In Fig. 1 A tool 10 according to the invention is shown in a preferred embodiment. It essentially comprises two assembly parts 20, shown in Fig. 3 , each with an end piece 21 and a guide system 31. The assembly parts 20 are arranged opposite each other and engage with each other via their guide systems 31, thereby creating a linear guide 30, as shown in Fig. 2as shown. In this form, the two mounting parts 20 are linearly displaceable relative to each other within a certain stroke range. A pre-tensioned coil spring 40 surrounds the linear guide 30, as shown in Fig. 1 depicted.

[0018] In the Figures 5 and 6 Frames 71 of picket railings 70 are shown, which, when they are made into finished picket railings 70, are placed on a horizontal base ( Fig. 5 ) or on a staircase ( Fig. 6 ) can be attached. In this frame 71, evenly spaced pickets 75 are ready for welding. The even distribution is ensured by a tool set 60, i.e., a plurality of identical tools 10 according to the invention, each clamped between the pickets 74, 75. The spiral springs 40 ensure that the distances d between all pickets 74, 75 are the same.

[0019] The invention will be described in more detail below.

[0020] The Figures 1 to 3 Figure 10 shows a tool for use in the manufacture of picket railings 70, to evenly distribute a large number of pickets 75 between outer, parallel-attached pickets 74. It is irrelevant whether the attached pickets 74 are arranged as in Fig. 5 directly opposite each other, or as in Fig. 6 The pickets 74 are arranged offset from one another. They are connected to a top chord 72 and a bottom chord 73 to form a frame 71, preferably by welding. Once the pickets 75 are welded to the top chord 72 and the bottom chord 73, the picket railings 70 are complete.

[0021] Each tool 10 comprises two opposing and interconnected end pieces 21 with outer, parallel contact surfaces 22 for contact with two adjacent stakes 74, 75, as for example in the Figures 5 and 6An end piece 21 preferably has the basic shape of a plate, for example with a thickness of 2 to 10 mm or preferably 3 to 5 mm.

[0022] At each end piece 21, a guide system 31 with one or more stop surfaces 35 is attached opposite the contact surfaces 22. Two opposing guide systems 31 interlock and form an extendable linear guide 30 with a variable distance d between the two contact surfaces 22. The linear guide 30 has a central axis 25, which is perpendicular to the contact surfaces 22. When fully extended, each guide system 31 abuts the stop surfaces 35 of the other guide system 31, thereby limiting the distance d between the contact surfaces 22, preferably to 120 mm. Depending on local regulations, the distance d may also be limited to other lengths.

[0023] The guide systems 31 of both assembly parts 20 are identical in design in this case, which is advantageous but not mandatory. It is also possible to use concentrically interlocking tubes that have stop surfaces 35 at their ends to ensure the required length limitation.

[0024] The linear guide 30 is coaxially surrounded by a pre-tensioned spiral spring 40, which is supported on the end pieces 21, as shown in Fig. 1 As shown, in the rest state of the tool 10, the distance d between the contact surfaces 22 is always at its maximum, for example 120 mm, since the pre-tensioned coil spring extends the end pieces 21 to their maximum possible length with its pre-tensioning force. This length is limited by the stop surfaces 35 on the guide strips of both mounting parts 20, which abut each other when the linear guide 20 is fully extended.

[0025] Preferably, each of the end pieces 21 has a rectangular or square base shape with edges 23 of preferably 40 mm and / or 50 mm length. Preferably, the height of the tool 10 during use should correspond to the height of the stakes 75 to be distributed. The axes preferably, but not necessarily, run centrally through the end pieces 21.

[0026] In particular, groove profiles 24 running parallel to the edges 23 through the axis 25 can be provided on the contact surfaces 22, in which round pickets 75 can be guided during use. These groove profiles 24 have, for example, a width of 7 ± 2 mm and / or a radius of 5 ± 1 mm. This ensures that pickets 75 with a larger radius than the groove radius rest on the groove edges of the groove profiles 24 and are held by them. Pickets 75 with smaller radii lie correspondingly deeper in the groove, which results in the distances d between the pickets 75 being slightly less than the permissible distance between the contact surfaces 22. This is intentional due to the lower stability of thinner pickets 75.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, each guide system 31 comprises two opposing guide rods 32, which are mirror-symmetrical to each other about a plane of symmetry 36 and terminate in wider guide heads 33. The guide heads 33 bear against the guide rods 32 of the other guide system 31 and are guided along these guide rods 32 during use. In the illustrated example, each guide head 33 and each guide rod 32 has two guide surfaces 34 that slide along corresponding guide surfaces 34 of the other guide system 31 during use.

[0028] Preferably, the stop surfaces 35 at the transition between the guide rods 32 and the guide heads 33 are designed and inclined by 135° ± 10° to the axis, so that the guide heads 33 are pressed outwards against the coil spring 40 in a damping manner and locked onto it when the tensioned coil spring 40 is suddenly released.

[0029] The coil spring 40 also ensures the stability of the tool 10, which, in the described form, consists solely of two identical assembly parts 20, each comprising an end piece 21 and a guide system 31, and the coil spring 40, without the use of screws or other assembly aids. For assembly, the coil spring 40 is placed over the guide system 31 of one assembly part 20 and fully tensioned against its end piece 21, while the second assembly part 20, with its guide system 31, is inserted into the guide system 31 of the first assembly part 20 to create the guide line 30. This is achieved because the guide rods 32 with the guide heads 33 possess the necessary elasticity and can briefly spread apart. Finally, the coil spring 40 is released so that it occupies the entire space between the end pieces 21.The guide system cannot be disassembled because the guide rods 32 with the guide heads 33 can no longer be spread apart due to the coil spring 40, which limits the outer circumference of the linear guide. The inner diameter of the coil spring 40 is only wide enough that, when the guide heads 33 are spread apart (by pulling the end pieces 21 apart), they abut the inner surface of the coil spring 40 before they can slide past the guide heads 33 of the other mounting parts 20. For disassembly, the coil spring 40 must first be fully compressed back to one of the end pieces 21.

[0030] For end pieces 21 with a rectangular base shape, the plane of symmetry 36 of the guide rods 32 is preferably inclined at 45° to the edges 23 of the base shape. This allows identical assembly parts 20 to interlock in such a way that the same distances a from the axis 25 to each edge 23 of the same orientation prevail for both opposing end pieces 21. This has the particular advantage that identical assembly parts 20 can be used to manufacture a tool 10. This is a significant advantage, especially if the assembly parts 20 are manufactured in one piece, for example by injection molding.

[0031] In one variant, shown in Fig. 4The end pieces 21 have a rectangular base shape with first edges 23a having an edge length of, for example, 40 mm and second edges 23b having an edge length of, for example, 50 or 55 mm. The axis 25 of the linear guide 30 is arranged centrally between the second edges 23b, for example, at a distance a of 20 mm from each edge 23b. The axis 25 is positioned either centrally between the first edges 23a, for example, at a distance a' of each edge 23a, or offset from the center, for example, at a distance a' of 25 mm or a" of 30 mm from the first edges 23a, respectively, in order to accommodate a total of three different picket widths centrally on the axis 25. While both distances a from the axis 15 to the second edges 23b must always be equal, the two distances a, a', a" to the two first edges 23a can either both be a, both a', or one a' and the other a".

[0032] As a rule, only two different masses are required, so that the axis 25 runs centrally through the end piece 21 with distances a resp. a' to the edges 23b resp. 23a.

[0033] If the axis is arranged only centrally between the first edges 23a and not centrally between the second edges 23b, it is possible to achieve a total of three different distances a, a', and a" from the axis 25 to an edge 23, namely, according to the example above, 20, 25, and 30 mm. This makes it possible to place the tool 10 flush next to a stake 75 on a flat surface, with the axis 25 engaging the stake 75 centrally if the stake 75 has a width of 40, 50, or 60 mm. The width of the stake 75 is twice the distance a, a', or a" from the axis 25 to the surface, thus 2a, 2a', or 2a". The upper edge 23 of the end piece 31 may then not always be flush with the upper edge 23 of the stake 75, but in an arrangement according to Fig. 5 or 6, which is insignificant. What is significant is that with identical mounting parts 20, a total of three different widths of pickets 75 can be evenly distributed, with the spring force always pressing centrally on pickets 74 and 75.

[0034] This is particularly important for stakes 75 with round cross-sections when they are distributed between fixed stakes 74, which are flat with a certain width, for example 50 mm.

[0035] It is essential to ensure that all tools 10 are placed on the surface with their end pieces 21 aligned in the same direction, at the same distance a, a', a" from the axis 25 to the surface. It may be advantageous to proceed as described in Fig. 4It is shown that both end pieces 21 of all tools 10 have a marking 26 on opposite edges 23, preferably color markings or embossing, to make it easier to check the identical orientation of all tools 10 in use. Dimensions such as "20" or "25" can also be indicated on the end piece to ensure that each tool 10 is always correctly aligned before being laid or clamped.

[0036] As a further control, in addition to the tool 10, a rubber band 50 with a plurality of evenly spaced distance markings 51 can be used. The distance between the markings is preferably much smaller than the maximum distance d between the contact surfaces 21, preferably about 50 to 75% of it, in order to be able to stretch to the desired dimension. When bringing the tool 10 close to the distributed stakes 75, as in the diagram, the rubber band 50 is used to measure the distance between the contact surfaces 21 and the surface. Fig. 5As shown, a quick visual check can be performed. When the rubber band 50 is stretched, the spaces between the distance markings 51 are distributed evenly, so that they must each be at the positions of the stakes 75. If a tool 10 or a stake 75 is jammed between the stakes 75 during the setup of the tools 10 and therefore does not ensure an even distribution, this can be easily checked visually with the rubber band 50.

[0037] In particular, a tool set 60 comprising a large number of identical tools 10 is to be used in order to be able to place them between all adjacent stakes 74, 75, as in the Figures 5 and 6 The picket railing to be manufactured is shown. (70 according to...) Fig. 5 is suitable for a level surface that is in Fig. 6for a substrate with a slope or for a stair railing 70. With the tools 10 between the balusters 74, 75, these are automatically distributed evenly, as long as identical tools 10 are used.

[0038] The following describes a method according to the invention for use in the manufacture of picket railings 70 in order to distribute a plurality of pickets 75 evenly between outer, parallel-attached pickets 74. For this purpose, a tool set 60 comprising a plurality of tools 10 is used. The method is characterized by the following steps: First, a frame of a picket railing 70 with a top rail 72, a bottom rail 73, and parallel, outer pickets 74 is placed on a surface that is at least partially level. The surface should be flat at least in the area where the tools 10 will later be positioned so that they can lie flush with the pickets 74, 75. The pickets 75 are then loosely placed between the attached pickets 74. At least one, preferably two, tools 10 are inserted between each pair of adjacent pickets 74, 75 until one or two tools are clamped between all pickets 74, 75. The spring force of the coil springs 40 distributes the pickets 75 evenly and automatically.

[0039] The tools 10 are positioned between the stakes 74, 75 such that their contact surfaces 22 rest against the stakes 74, 75. The axes 25 of the tools 10 should rest centrally against the stakes 74, 75. If the stakes 74, 75 are round bars, they should be received in the groove profiles 24 of the tools 10. Preferably, the distance a, a', a" from the axis 25 to the substrate is half the width of the top chord 72 and the substrate 73, which also rest on the substrate, so that the round stakes 75 can be welded to them centrally.

[0040] The end pieces 21 are preferably aligned such that the twice the distance 2·a, 2·a', 2·a" between the axis 25 and the substrate corresponds to the width of the stakes 75 used, so that the spring force acts centrally on the stakes 75.

[0041] During assembly, the tools 10 and stakes 75 are initially laid loosely side by side on the substrate, alternating between them, until the last stake 75 laid is closer to the fixed stake 74 than the distance d of a tool. Then, one or two tools 10 are pressed into this space by tensioning all the other coil springs. Due to the identical spring constant of all coil springs 40, the stakes 75 are automatically and evenly distributed within the frame 71.

[0042] If the distance d of the tools 10 in their rest position, i.e., before clamping, corresponds to the permissible distance between the stakes 75, only the last one or two tools 10 need to be pressed in between the last two stakes 74, 75. This ensures that the minimum number of stakes 75 have been used and the maximum permissible distance has been maintained. However, if the permissible distance is less than the distance d of the tools 10, measurements must be taken, and if necessary, another stake and consequently one or two more tools 10 must be pressed in until the requirement is met. Reference symbol list

[0043] 10 Tool 20 Mounting part 21 End piece 22 Contact surfaces 23 Edge, 23a: first edges, 23b: second edges of the end piece 24 Grooved profile 25 Axis 26 Marking on the end piece 30 Linear guide 31 Guide system 32 Guide rod 33 Guide head 34 Guide surface 35 Stop surface 36 Plane of symmetry 40 Spiral spring 50 Rubber band 51 Distance marking 60 Tool set 70 Picket railing, stair railing 71 Frame of the picket railing 72 Top rail 73 Bottom rail 74 Attached picket, 75 Picket α Angle of inclination a, a', a" Distance from the axis to an edge of an end piece d Distance of the contact surfaces to each other

Claims

1. Tool (10) for use in the manufacture of picket railings (70) to distribute a plurality of pickets (75) evenly between outer, parallel-attached pickets (74), comprising two opposing and interconnected end pieces (21) with outer, parallel-arranged contact surfaces (22) for contact with two adjacent pickets (74, 75), characterized by the fact thatA guide system (31) with one or more stop surfaces (35) is attached to each end piece (21) facing the contact surfaces (22), wherein these guide systems (31) interlock and form an extendable linear guide (30) with a central axis (25) which is normal to the contact surfaces (22), wherein the guide system (31) abuts its stop surfaces (35) when fully extended and thereby limits the distance (d) of the contact surfaces (22) to each other, preferably to 120 mm, and wherein the linear guide (30) is coaxially surrounded by a pre-tensioned coil spring (40) which is supported on the end pieces (21).

2. Tool according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the end pieces (21) have a rectangular or square basic shape with edges (23) of preferably 40 mm and / or 50 mm length.

3. Tool according to claim 2, characterized by the fact thatGroove profiles (24) running parallel to the edges (23) through the axis (25) are provided on the contact surfaces (22), in which round stakes (75) can be guided during use.

4. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that Each guide system (31) comprises two opposing guide rods (32) designed in a mirror-symmetrical manner on a plane of symmetry (36), which terminate in wider guide heads (33), wherein the guide heads (33) rest against the guide rods (32) of the other guide system (31) and are guided by the guide rods (32) during use when moving.

5. Tool according to claim 4, characterized by the fact thatthe stop surfaces (35) at the transition between the guide rods (32) to the guide heads (33) are designed and are inclined by 135°± 10° to the axis, so that the guide heads (33) are pressed outwards against the coil spring (40) in a damping manner when the tensioned coil spring (40) is suddenly released and are locked onto it.

6. Tool according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by the fact that the end pieces (21) have a square or rectangular base shape and the plane of symmetry (36) of the guide rods (32) is inclined at 45° to the edges (23) of the end pieces (21).

7. Tool according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by the fact that Both end pieces (21) with their guide systems (31) are identical in construction to each other.

8. Tool according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by the fact that Each of the end pieces (21) with the guide system (31) is manufactured as a one-piece assembly part (20), preferably as an injection molded part.

9. Tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The end pieces (21) have a rectangular basic shape with first edges (23a) having an edge length of, for example, 40 mm and second edges (23b) having an edge length of, for example, 50 or 55 mm, wherein the axis (25) of the linear guide (30) is arranged centrally between the second edges (23b), for example, with a distance (a) of 20 mm from each edge, and either centrally between the first edges (23a), for example, with a distance (a') of 25 mm from each edge, or offset from the center, for example, with a distance (a') of 25 mm or 30 mm (a") from the first edges (23a), in order to accommodate a total of two (2·a, 2·b) or three different picket widths (2·a, 2·b', 2·b") centrally on the axis (25).

10. Tool according to claim 9, characterized by the fact thatthe end pieces (21) may, for example, have a marking (26) in the area of ​​an edge (23), preferably a color marking or embossing, to make it easier to control the alignment of the tools (10) in use.

11. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a rubber band (50) with a plurality of distance markings (51) which are evenly spaced with a basic distance (51) which is much smaller than the maximum distance (d) of the contact surfaces (22), preferably about 50 to 75% thereof, in order to be able to carry out a quick, visual inspection.

12. Tool set (60) comprising a plurality of identical tools (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in order to be able to be placed between all adjacent stakes in order to achieve a uniform distribution of the stakes (74, 75).

13. Method for use in the manufacture of picket railings (70) to distribute a plurality of pickets (75) evenly between outer, parallel-attached pickets (74), using a tool set (60) according to claim 12, characterized by The steps are: - Laying a frame (71) of a picket railing (70) with a top chord (72), a bottom chord (73) and lateral outer, parallel-attached pickets (74) on a surface that is at least partially level, - Loosely laying pickets (75) between the attached pickets (74), - Inserting at least one, preferably two tools (10) between two adjacent pickets (74, 75) until one or two tools (10) are clamped between all pickets (74, 75) and the pickets (75) are evenly distributed by the spring force.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the end pieces (21) are aligned such that twice the distance (2·a, 2·a', 2·a") between the axis (25) and the lower edge (23) on the substrate corresponds to the width of the stakes (75) used, or, in the case of round stakes, to the width of an upper chord (72) and / or lower chord (73), so that the spring force of the spiral spring (40) acts centrally on the stakes (75) and, in the case of round stakes (75), these are positioned centrally on the upper chord (72) and / or lower chord (73).

Images